Vitamin E is a vitamin that the human body cannot produce on its own. It's found in foods like nuts and seeds, as well as supplements. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means it helps prevent or reverse cell damage caused by free radicals. It also has the ability to alleviate inflammation throughout the body. Vitamin E for oily skin could be a good friend if used properly and with all the caution and paired up with the right skincare ingredients.
Vitamin E is stored in both the outer epidermis and the deeper dermis layers of the skin. This is one of the reasons why vitamin E is used in so many skincare products. Sebaceous glands, which form the base of hair follicles, store the nutrition. Sebum, an oily fluid that protects and lubricates the skin, carries vitamin E to the skin. Therefore, Vitamin E for oily skin might just not work for you but read this article to see if you can still use it!
How Vitamin E helps with Acne?
One of the antioxidants considered as a possible acne therapy is vitamin E. Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory in nature, which means it can help improve your immune system and aid cell regeneration. These qualities are considered to aid with inflammatory acne in particular, such as:
- Cysts
- Nodules
- Papules
- Pustules
-
Scars (from any of the above)
Vitamin E may help treat acne in principle, but using it on oily skin can trigger more acne breakouts and hence, Vitamin E for acne should only be used for dry skin types! Vitamin E for oily skin could work if you only apply it over the affected area, barring the other parts of your skin.
Products That Contain Vitamin E
Because it is a fat-soluble vitamin, it dissolves in fats and oils. Look for Vitamin E in the form of an oil or a cream to aid with penetration.
Skin Ingredients To Mix & Not To Mix Vitamin E
- Skin Ingredients To Mix Vitamin E
It’s also a good idea to seek vitamin E in goods that include other antioxidants, like vitamin C. Both help to decrease free radicals and oxidative stress, although each works in a somewhat different way at the cellular level. They have the potential to be synergistic and complementing when used together. Vitamin E also improves vitamin C’s stability, making it more potent.
- Skin Ingredients Not To Mix With Vitamin E
Vitamin E is very mild and acts as a stabilizer, so there aren’t any specific ingredients that can react badly to it, hence, it’s safe to layer it with most of the common skincare ingredients.
How to use Vitamin E for Acne?
Vitamin E for acne should strictly be used by people with non-oily skin. For people with dry skin, you can use Vitamin E once or twice a week in the form of oil or cream. If you have extremely dry skin, you can use it more than twice a week. If you have combination skin, only use Vitamin E only on the dry areas of your skin. Vitamin E is not potent and hence can be layered with most skincare ingredients.
Other Benefits of Vitamin E
- Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects skin cells by preventing the generation of free radicals that develop when skin is exposed to UV radiation or pollutants.
- Vitamin E also contains hydrating and emollient properties, which means it helps retain moisture within by maintaining the seal on the outer layer of skin and can smooth out dry skin.
- It is involved in the creation of connective tissue growth factor, which is a protein that aids in wound healing. Wound healing has been demonstrated to be aided by topical vitamin E.
- Vitamin E may aid in the prevention of hair loss and the development of healthy hair. Its antioxidant qualities are thought to be the reason for this.
Side Effects Of Using Vitamin E & Who should avoid Vitamin E?
- Side Effects Of Using Vitamin E
Side-effects of using Vitamin E are rare. In case, you experience rashes, burning, itchiness, etc upon using Vitamin E products and see a doctor! Always do a patch test, before using any skincare product!
- Who Should Avoid Using Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is quickly absorbable in our skin because it is fat-soluble, which is beneficial to those who have dry skin. Vitamin E, on the other hand, should be avoided by individuals with oily or acne-prone skin since it might trigger acne outbreaks.
Alternative OTC Acne Treatments
While vitamin E may relieve acne lesions, it may be more beneficial to concentrate on established acne remedies. The most popular over-the-counter or topical treatments for acne are-
-
Alpha-hydroxy acids, which promote cell turnover in the skin and may be particularly effective for acne scars
-
Benzoyl peroxide may help acne sufferers decrease germs and irritation.
-
Salicylic acid is a pore-clearing agent that removes dead skin cells.
-
Tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and sulfur, which may reduce skin irritation
-
Vitamin A in the form of retinoids has been shown to help with acne by speeding up the skin’s natural regeneration process. These effects are only visible when retinoids are administered topically.
How Long Will It Take To See Results After Using Vitamin E?
There hasn’t been enough research for Vitamin E for acne but the limited studies suggest, upon using Vitamin E topically daily, two times a day, you can expect your acne to be healed in around 3 to 4 weeks while acne scars can take 6 months or longer to show any visible changes. Studies also suggest pairing Vitamin E with Vitamin C to see faster and more effective results.
Conclusion
Vitamin E has been investigated as a possible acne therapy, but the findings are still pending. You might wish to try topical formulations, especially if your skin is drier or more aged. However, if you have oily skin, these formulations may be excessively thick, and therefore, Vitamin E should be avoided for oily skin and you should stick to alternative acne remedies. Vitamin E for acne, on the other hand, could be great for people with dry skin or the dry areas of the skin for people with combination skin types!
If adjustments to your regimen don’t make a difference in your acne after a month, see your dermatologist. You should also see your doctor before taking any supplements, including vitamins.
FAQs
-
Can Vitamin E help with acne?
Vitamin E is not a primary treatment for acne but recent studies have suggested that Vitamin E can be useful in treating inflammatory acne.
-
Which skin types should use Vitamin E?
Vitamin E should be avoided by persons with oily or acne-prone skin since it might worsen outbreaks. Always do a patch test, before using any skincare product!
-
Should I use Vitamin E oil or go for creams?
Vitamin E is an oil and fat-soluble vitamin. As both oil and creams are oily and fatty mediums respectively, you can choose the one that best suits you!
-
Can I use Vitamin E and Vitamin C together?
Yes! Using Vitamin E and Vitamin C has actually been shown to be more effective in the treatment of active acne and acne scars. Additionally, using the combination can really help brighten your skin and combat dullness!
